Chatelherault and the Avon Gorge
A Georgian hunting lodge, a deep wooded gorge, a ruined castle and some of Scotland's oldest oaks.
- Distance
- 3.8 km
- Ascent
- 90 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 103 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Chatelherault and the Avon Gorge is an easy 3.8 km out-and-back walk with 90 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Chatelherault visitor centre (grid reference NS 736 539). The start can be reached by public transport.
Chatelherault was built in the 1730s as a hunting lodge and banqueting house for the Dukes of Hamilton, to designs by William Adam. Behind it the River Avon has cut a deep, wooded gorge that's now a country park.
This short route drops to the Duke's Bridge, high over the gorge, for the ruins of Cadzow Castle, then follows the gorge path upstream. Nearby are the Cadzow oaks, some of them hundreds of years old, and the park's herd of white cattle. Expect steps and muddy patches.
Route
-
1
The Duke's Bridge
From the visitor centre, drop into the gorge and cross the Duke's Bridge to the ruins of Cadzow Castle.
-
2
Up the gorge
Return over the bridge and follow the path upstream along the wooded gorge, then retrace your steps.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Chatelherault and the Avon Gorge take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 3.8 km route, which has 90 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Chatelherault visitor centre (grid reference NS 736 539). Car park at the visitor centre.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Trains to Chatelherault station, then about 20 minutes on foot. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Woodland paths with steps and some steep, muddy sections in the gorge.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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